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UCU response to Stern Review of the Research Excellence Framework

28 July 2016

Commenting the publication of the Independent Review of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), led by Lord Stern, UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said:

'We welcome Lord Stern's findings that we need a diverse higher education sector and that the REF must support excellence wherever it is found across our institutions.

'Any reforms that stop academics making choices based on the need to maximise REF outputs, rather than the contribution they can make to human knowledge, should be welcomed.

'We support a move towards greater academic staff inclusion in the REF, but this mustn't lead to a rigid demarcation between research and teaching-focused careers.

'We are pleased Lord Stern has recommended broadening out how impact is measured. Following his call last week for teaching and research to support each other, we would like to see measurements extended to cover the impact on higher education teaching and learning.

'UCU will be arguing for a more fundamental review of research funding as part of its submission to the government's consultation.'

Last updated: 28 July 2016

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